Dogs.....who takes them on shore dives??

[BGF]

So I haven't made the commitment quite yet but have been thinking about and looking into getting a young (~ 12-18 mos) dog for a while. I'm probably going to adopt a shelter dog, and actually found a sweet looking German Shepherd online the other day. Talked to the foster mom earlier this week and may go meet the dog next week. Sounds like she is a very sweet, loving dog that was kept in NYC but the owners were moving and couldn't keep her. I live a very active outdoor's lifestyle so will look forward to getting her outside for training and taking her with me hiking, biking, skiing, etc. With those sports I'll can have her with me the whole time so it's not an issue. Boat diving is obviously a whole other issue, but shore diving would be possible. With shore diving I'll obviously be away for an hour or so and was wondering if anyone regularly takes their dog to the beach with them? Do you leave them in the car w/ windows cracked? In a crate chained to the car? I'm sure I could find arrangements to have her watched while I was gone but would love to be able to include her on the experience. Any thoughts???

 

[TwoBitTxn]

In many areas leaving an animal in the car even with the windows cracked isn't legal. Temperatures can still get too high for the animal to tolerate. Well secured in a shaded spot with water available would be a better idea. Depending on the spot, bringing and leaving the animal may not be allowed either. Many places just aren't animal friendly anymore.

That may be a case your buddy just needs to stay home.

 

[yyidus]

It's better not to leave a dog alone in a car. Even with windows cracked open it can get very very hot. (Yes lots of people do it anyways -- it's still illegal and they might have to break your windows to get your dog out).

In San Diego you generally can't bring a dog onto the beach during daytime hours either (plus do you really want to leave your dog alone at the shore? Someone could steal him/her). If you had a friend/partner who can walk the dog while you dive, that's a separate deal, but otherwise, any good reason not to leave the dog at home?

 

[halocline]

I've thought about this, but I'm having trouble finding a mask that my dog's nose fits in.

Seriously I do wonder what the average dog's reaction to seeing his master disappear under the water would be. My aussie would probably not enjoy it. If you could bring a non-diving friend who could stay with the little buddy and keep him occupied, maybe with a steak and frisbee, I suppose it would be okay.

Outdoor, land sports are great with dogs; I could not imagine hiking without one anymore. Watersports, whole different vibe from the doggie's point of view. Leave him at home.

 

[swmarc]

My dog is always trying to join me in the water so I usually leave him at home. He is a Husky/ German Shepard mix, and just a warning German Shepard's are extremely intelligent.

 

[Melicertes]

I'm not sure what part of the experience you are wanting to share with your dog. At best you would have to either keep it restrained on the beach while you're "gone diving", or find somebody to look after the animal for you while you're gone. What kind of experience is that sitting there waiting for you to return either way, unless you can perhaps find someone who would play with him/her on the beach on a regular basis while you're out blowing bubbles?
I'm not even going to comment on leaving a pet in a car - that's just asking for trouble, not to mention how dangerous it could be for the animal. :no

IMHO, if you want a companion to share your diving with, get a regular buddy to go diving with you and share the experience that way. If you want to spend time with a dog, then by all means find yourself a dog with a temperament that is compatible with yours and your lifestyle and then go hiking, biking, or jogging together at a dog friendly beach - that way the dog gets to work off some energy (a very healthy thing) and you will be getting a workout also which can only improve your personal health and safe diving ability.

Being a dog owner and lover myself I would caution you to think carefully about what you really want - getting a dog is a responsibility that will require you to change your lifestyle a bit (and often more than just a little bit). A dog is also not a substitute for human companionship in all cases; if I were you, I'd think about what it is that I really wanted to achieve - share my diving, or spend time outdoors with a loving pet [edit: or both but not necessarily both at the same time].

 

[Scott]

When my lab was alive (lost her this past fall at age 14) I took her all of the time. I put her kennel under the tailgate of the truck for more shade and chained her up to the hitch and left the food and water bowl out for her.

Seriously I do wonder what the average dog's reaction to seeing his master disappear under the water would be. My aussie would probably not enjoy it.

Mine freaked out and started barking like crazy. On occasion the wife or kids would let her off the leash and she would swim out to 'greet' me...usually followed by me descending to get her off my head. She would swim in circles trying to find me.

 

[danclem]

I have taken dogs on car outings for years. Current model is a female yelow lab who likes to swim, mountain bike, trail run. Back country skiing or snow shoeing is really hard on their paws and joints, especially if they are "post-holing." Temperature is what you really have to watch if animals are in vehicles or exercising hard.

In the Seattle area it is generally cool enough to have fido stay in the car with sun roof cracked/open and windows cracked if the sun is out. Dogs love getting out, especially if they can swim before or after a dive.

The only other caveat is to make sure your dog is well trained, has a temperment to be around people in public (especially children who want to pet), and that you clean up after them.


Cheers,

Dan

 

[BGF]

When my lab was alive (lost her this past fall at age 14) I took her all of the time. I put her kennel under the tailgate of the truck for more shade and chained her up to the hitch and left the food and water bowl out for her.

This is kinda what I was thinking. No I don't plan to take mine under the water, and would plan to go early and stay late after the dive to run on the beach, swim, fetch driftwood etc. I never really considered keeping in a car but wanted to see what others do. I completely understand that a dog is a huge commitment, and that a GSD is especially intelligent and needs lots of care and attention, That is one of the main reasons I'm drawn to the breed. They are amazing animals!!

I already have good dive buddies to "share my diving with" but was thinking that rather then leaving my dog at home while I go play I would bring them outside to enjoy the environment and socialization. Thanks for the input.

 

[Web Monkey]

So I haven't made the commitment quite yet but have been thinking about and looking into getting a young (~ 12-18 mos) dog for a while. I'm probably going to adopt a shelter dog, and actually found a sweet looking German Shepherd online the other day. Talked to the foster mom earlier this week and may go meet the dog next week. Sounds like she is a very sweet, loving dog that was kept in NYC but the owners were moving and couldn't keep her. I live a very active outdoor's lifestyle so will look forward to getting her outside for training and

Bad move.

First, the dog will get very upset watching you drop under the surface and not return.

Second, in many locations people steal unattended dogs and use them to train pit bulls for dog fighting. Leaving your dog unattended in or around your truck is just asking for trouble.

Terry